Chapter 20 Summary

As Nhamo continues, she zigzags, sometimes paddling against the current, sometimes allowing it to carry her. She hopes for land, but does not find any. After several days, she sees land, but more importantly, she has started her monthly bleeding. She is now a woman. In her village, it would be said she has crossed the river into womanhood, but she is proud to have crossed a whole lake.

Chapter 20 Analysis

Nhamo acknowledges the importance of her transition, even though no one is there to give her a ceremony or a party. She also realizes the symbolism of having crossed the entire lake. She has achieved far more than other girls at her age.